Governor Glenn Youngkin this week announced $14.4 million in Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funding to conserve 11,220 acres around the Commonwealth.
The 28 projects receiving grant awards for fiscal year 2025 include investments in new parks for the public, conservation easements to protect working timberland and farmland and two land acquisitions by Virginia’s Tribal Nations. That includes a site in Caroline County, a park in King George, and three locations in Stafford County.
“We take pride in sharing the rich beauty of Virginia’s natural resources and historical places and remain committed to increasing public access so more Virginians can enjoy them,” Youngkin said in a press release. “Our parks, open spaces and other vital outdoor recreation assets drive tourism and economic growth, and they provide residents a place to connect with nature.
“Supporting Virginians so they can continue to work their farmlands and forests helps our key agriculture and forestry sectors continue to thrive.”
Grants were awarded in the following categories: farmland preservation, forest preservation, historic preservation, natural area protection, and open spaces and parks.
“By making significant investments that not only protect natural resources, but also our historic resources, we are able to ensure that Virginians can benefit from visiting these special places,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles. “When we increase public access opportunities, we allow Virginians and those visiting to experience all that the Commonwealth has to offer.”
“These projects selected for VLCF grant funding will help protect ecologically important habitats around the Commonwealth that support rare plant species as well as a variety of wildlife,” said director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation Matthew Wells. “Virginians will benefit from the improved water quality of our rivers, creeks and karst landscapes resulting from these strategically targeted land conservation projects.”
VLCF board members are appointed by the governor, the Senate and the House of Delegates. The board includes the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. DCR provides staff support to the board.
Caroline County:
The Conservation Fund, Hazelwood Farm, $440,750
Conservation easement through the Army Compatible Use Buffers program to protect 339 acres of prime, active farmland within Fort Walker’s Priority IA area for buffering the Army’s training installation. Managed under conservation and nutrient management plans, the farm has significant frontage on the Rappahannock River. Virginia Outdoors Foundation will hold the easement. Category: Farmland Preservation
King George County:
Virginia DCR, Lake Caledon, Caledon State Park expansion, $500,000
Acquisition of an undeveloped, mostly forested 468-acre tract immediately south of Caledon State Park to increase the park by nearly 20%. In a partnership with Trust for Public Land and the U.S. Navy, the project will increase recreational opportunities at the park. Category: Open Spaces and Parks
Stafford County:
Stafford County, William Long Farm, $254,000
Conservation easement to protect 69.25 acres under the County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. The property falls within an Ecological Core and has predictive suitable habitat for Threatened and Endangered species and DWR Species of Greatest Conservation Need and is located within a wildlife biodiversity resilience corridor in DWR’s Wildlife Corridor Action Plan. Category: Farmland Preservation
Virginia DCR, Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve, Crow’s Nest Harbor Partnership Phase 1, $153,500
Acquisition of over 101 individual previously subdivided parcel totaling 262 acres. In a partnership between DCR, Stafford County and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, this project will further protect one of Virginia’s essential conservation sites. Public access at the preserve, already the most visited in the commonwealth, will be expanded with new hiking trails and a new parking area. Category: Natural Area Preservation
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, Patawomeck Tribe Land Grant, $390,932
Acquisition of 14.24 acres located on the state scenic Rappahannock River, just downriver from the Patawomeck community’s Tribal Center across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg at Little Falls. The Patawomeck Tribe intends to create a public access trail from McDuff Park to the property as well as a small boat loading area along the river. Category: Open Spaces and Parks
